Payroll & Accounts Payable Accountant

About OpenSesame

OpenSesame is the trusted partner for Workforce Reinvention in the age of AI. OpenSesame delivers integrated software, curated and customizable content, and expert services – embedded into existing learning, HR, and work systems – to help organizations expand their human+AI potential and thrive through change.

Learn more: www.opensesame.com/about

About the Team

It is more than numbers. 

With our rapid growth, we’re seeing the role of our accounting department growing in importance. For someone looking to grow as an accountant, this is a way to accelerate their career growth by working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Pulling it off guarantees you'll become a legend.

About the Role

As a Payroll & Accounts Payable Accountant, you will play an integral role in supporting the financial operations of a fast-paced, high-growth company. With our numbers growing dramatically, we are looking for an energetic, proactive, and detail-oriented individual who thrives in a data-driven environment.

This role touches on all key accounting processes—including accounts payable, payroll, sales tax, and expense management—while providing excellent internal and external customer service. You’ll work independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines, drive process improvements, and uphold the integrity of our financial reporting. 

From solving payroll inquiries to reducing our AFDA, you’ll wear many hats while building relationships across departments. Customer service excellence is key to this role—you'll need to communicate clearly, follow up reliably, and support both teammates and partners with professionalism.This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while growing alongside a collaborative, mission-driven team.

Performance Objectives

30 Days – Ramp Up & Systems Mastery Goal: Learn core systems, establish relationships, and begin communication handling.

• Independently manage communications with vendors, employees, and customers
• Utilize ADP, Ramp, and Bill.com to resolve routine questions and issues
• Understand our payroll, AP, and expense workflows
• Build strong working relationships with HR, Finance, and operational teams
• Deliverables
  • Successfully navigate and respond to common payroll and expense inquiries

60 Days – Execution & Accuracy Goal: Take ownership of recurring tasks and ensure process consistency.

• Independently complete assigned monthly close items within 5 business days
• Process employee expense reports within 3 days of receipt
• Manage semi-monthly payroll ensuring it is submitted 72 hours prior to payday
• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations and reporting timelines
• Maintain up-to-date records for employee compensation, deductions, benefits, and garnishments
• Deliverables
  • Submit payroll and expense report data with 100% accuracy
  • Maintain updated payroll records and transaction history
  • Publish a monthly reconciliation checklist to ensure consistency

90 Days – Tax Filing & Optimization Goal: Manage compliance and identify process improvement opportunities.

• Independently file and reconcile monthly or quarterly sales tax via Avalara
• Identify inefficiencies and propose automation or system enhancements
• Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance employee support and policy adherence
• Provide clear communication to employees regarding expense reimbursements, paychecks, deductions, and benefits
• Document gaps or improvement areas in AP and payroll process flow
• Deliverables
  • Deliver accurate sales tax filings and documentation
  • Propose at least two system/process improvements for review
  • Finalize payroll and AP response SOPs and share with the team

Ongoing Responsibilities

• Prepare, file and reconcile sales tax filings on a monthly or quarterly basis using Avalara
• Review & process employee expense reports and virtual card transactions 
• Act as primary point of contact for AP and payroll-related inquiries
• Perform audits to verify the accuracy of sales tax and payroll data and resolve discrepancies.
• Deliver professional, solution-focused support to teams and vendors to ensure excellent customer service in all financial tasks.
• Prepare and submit required reports, including tax filings and year-end statements (e.g., W-2s, 1099s).
• Stay informed about sales tax and payroll laws and regulations, implementing changes as necessary.
• Maintain all records in compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Ensure confidentiality and security of employee information at all times.
• Leverage Salesforce and NetSuite to support financial operations

Location: This position can be based anywhere in the US. We operate as a remote-first company, and invest in mandatory all-company meetings several times a year in addition to required team travel as necessary.

Performance Driven: We're looking for self-starters with a track record of delivering excellent results, but we're highly selective about who we hire. We don't focus on typical job requirements, instead, we're interested in specific examples from your past experiences. All positions can be based anywhere in the US, and require up to 15 days of travel per year, with senior management and leadership teams requiring up to 35 days.

Compensation: The base salary for this position generally ranges between $80,000 and $90,000, depending on experience. At OpenSesame, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to employees upon hire, including professional development, ISOs, health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off. 

Equal Employment Opportunity: OpenSesame is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer that values and welcomes diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of various legally protected characteristics, including criminal history, and strive to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We prioritize safety and security and may use your information accordingly, and you can contact us for assistance or accommodations during the job application process. 

Pay Transparency: At OpenSesame, we prioritize pay transparency, fairness, and equity to create a positive and inclusive work environment, regularly reviewing our compensation practices to align with our values and goals. We provide competitive and fair compensation to our employees based on their skills, experience, and performance.

CPRA (California Candidates): When you submit your application, OpenSesame may collect and use your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy and the CPRA. This may include personal details and employment history, and will only be used for employment-related purposes. We may share this information with third-party service providers, but we will not sell it to third parties. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us, and for more information on your rights under the CPRA, refer to our privacy policy or the California Attorney General's website.